Connections to early Australian colonial characters

'It's a tiny object with so many stories packed into is,' Rebecca said. 'It has connections to many significant people and important events in our history'.

King had links to explorer Matthew Flinders, pastoralist John Macarthur and naturalist Joseph Banks.

King received the snuffbox from Grant to mark King George III's birthday, 4 June 1801. Three weeks after the birthday, Grant returned from an exploratory voyage to the Bass Strait.

One source suggests that although Grant was an excellent seaman, he was conscious of his lack of nautical surveying knowledge.

Rebecca said the snuffbox may have been presented to King in appreciation for his patronage - or perhaps Grant was trying to maintain favour with the governor.

Six days later Grant set out to explore the Hunter region, which led to the settlement of Newcastle.After returning from the Hunter, Grant sat on the bench for the trial of a naval officer accused of assaulting John Macarthur.

He published Narrative of a Voyage of Discovery in 1803 after his return to England.